People ex rel. Department of Public Works & Buildings v. South East National Bank

In response to a notice published by the Illinois Department of Public Works inviting bids for a public construction contract, Kelleher Engineering Company submitted a sealed bid and, as a security deposit to insure its performance, a $7,500.00 certified check drawn on the South East National Bank of Chicago. After the bids were opened, Kelleher, the low bidder, attempted to withdraw. Thet department ignored the request and awarded Kelleher the contract. The company declined the contract and the department kept its check as a forfeiture. At Kelleher s request the South East Bank refused to…